We Are Lancaster

What does it mean to be part of a community which combines a global outlook with national and international significance and a strong regional focus?

The #WeAreLancaster project has been established to explore and promote this concept. It seeks to foster a strong sense of identification with Lancaster across the broadest spectrum of stakeholders, including alumni, friends, students, staff and the local community.

Following a launch on campus at the beginning of the summer term, Tower Bridge in London provided an excellent venue to share the programme’s vision with a wider alumni audience. With over 138,000 alumni worldwide and a strong network of groups run by volunteers, the alumni community really embodies the spirit underpinning #WeAreLancaster.

Co-hosting the event with the Vice-Chancellor, the Chancellor, the Rt. Hon. Alan Milburn, emphasised the importance of this community and the astonishing support that alumni provide to the University. In his view Lancaster University provided a strong foundation for life, regardless of background; “Lancaster means the best foundation for life.”

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mark E. Smith, reiterated the importance of maintaining excellence at the University, which is currently in the top 10 in all three major UK league tables; “I am proud that this institution offers opportunity to all but not at the expense of academic excellence, it really is excellence with social inclusion.”

Many alumni shared what Lancaster means to them by writing their own messages, ranging from “Discover who you are” to “Mum and son both went (1986 and 2015) - it’s a gift!” to “Lancaster is a home from home”.